Tackling abuse in vulnerable people
05.06.2009
A pioneering initiative to raise awareness of abuse in all its forms comes under the spotlight next week in Neath Port Talbot. (15th June)
A DVD 'Why didn't we see it?' is to be launched locally by The South Wales Adult Protection Forum (SWAP) to coincide with Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
It aims to help staff working with vulnerable people to recognise the signs of abuse and encourage people to tell someone.
The launch runs alongside the introduction of the Neath Port Talbot Preventative Strategy, designed to encourage a proactive approach towards the protection of vulnerable adults.
The DVD, which focuses on many types of abuse, is being shown to an invited audience of staff next month. It can be used by organisations for staff training.
Council Leader, Ali Thomas, says, "People of all ages may become more vulnerable at different stages in their lives or because of illness, disability, dementia and frailty.
"Relying on other people for personal care and help with finance can make older people even more vulnerable."
Corporate Director for Social Services, Tony Clements, adds, "Statistics show that we cannot ignore the harm and distress caused to individual people through abuse.
"It is a violation of an individual's human rights and we must do everything we can to stamp it out.
"Training for professionals is the way forward and this DVD will go a long way to tackling the problem.
"Abuse is a crime but it can affect people of any age who are vulnerable."
Speakers on the day are Judith Hill, Nurse Director Local health Board and Tony Clements, Director of Social Services in Neath Port Talbot and Older Persons Champion Peter Rees.
NOTE TO EDITORS
A freephone elder abuse helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Ring 080 8808 8141